Lily Gladstone and Kali Reis First Native American Women Nominated for Emmy Awards

In a groundbreaking achievement, Lily Gladstone and Kali Reis have made history as the first Native American women to receive Primetime Emmy acting nominations. Both actresses are nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for their performances, with Gladstone portraying a rural Alaskan police officer in an HBO series that investigates the disappearance of researchers linked to the murder of an Inupiat environmental activist. Their nominations highlight a significant moment for Indigenous representation in the entertainment industry. The competition in their category is fierce, featuring notable names such as Dakota Fanning, Jessica Gunning, Aja Naomi King, Diane Lane, and Nava Mau. Despite the stiff competition, Reis expressed pride in the representation of Indigenous people at the Emmys, stating, “The natives in the Indigenous community are going to be rolling deep.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition and celebration of Indigenous talent in mainstream media. Additionally, the nominations extend beyond Gladstone and Reis. Oji-Cree actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai has also received an Emmy nomination, becoming the second Native American man to achieve this honor, following August Schellenberg's nomination in 2007. This further underscores the progress being made in recognizing Indigenous talent in television. Moreover, the series "Reservation Dogs" has garnered nominations in two technical categories, showcasing excellence in picture editing and cinematography. These achievements collectively mark a significant step forward for Indigenous representation in the television industry.